MattAs wireless technology improves, more and more speakers offer wireless connectivity. The biggest reason for choosing a wireless speaker is that you don’t have heaps of cable trailing around your living area. The second reason is that you’re able to pair and unpair an input while sitting on your sofa. In this article, we look at the 10 best wireless speakers for TV.
After doing some research, we’ve found there are two completely different applications people require wireless TV speakers for. For this reason, we have separated this article into two different sections; portable and non-portable. The portable speakers are primarily used by the elderly or hearing impaired, while the non-portable/ installed, wireless speakers typically fulfill a home theater type requirement. Feel free to jump directly to the section which applies to your requirements.
What Makes a TV Speaker Wireless?
Believe it or not, there is more than one answer to this question. TV speakers often have a variety of cables; AC Power, TV/device connection, cabling between speakers, etc. However, I think most people searching for a wireless TV speaker are after a product with no speaker cable connecting it to the TV. Most speakers these days have a Bluetooth input, so you can pretty much purchase any TV speaker these days with this feature.
What you don’t find a lot of is wireless speakers within a sound system. This is because each speaker requires a receiver, which in turn needs to connect to a central receiver. The technology required to transmit high-quality, digital audio is still very advanced so you almost never find this kind of system under $1000. We have only found a couple in this price range and only one of them is a truly wireless speaker system.
Most of the TV speakers enable you to connect a soundbar and/or subwoofer wirelessly. These are usually from premium brands and these small systems are typically a few hundred dollars. If you only have a small budget, my advice is to go for a wireless speaker system with speaker cables connecting just the speakers together. Yes, the cables are annoying but the sound will be exceptionally better. The lowest I would go is $800, which gets you the Enclave Audio CineHome system featured in the second part of this article.
The technology is, however, evolving fast. WiFi networking seems to be where things are going. Who knows, in a few years time you could be able to purchase speakers, program the IP address and add it to your sound system.
For now, we have Bluetooth version 5.0 to look forward to. While Bluetooth released version 5.0 back in 2016 already, many products have yet to catch up. In 2018, 4.2 still seems to be the latest version of Bluetooth which most products operate on. You can read more about Bluetooth Version 5.0 here.
How Wireless Affects Audio Signal
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to an audio signal is that copper cable is still king. Ask any sound engineer if they want a cable or wireless piece of equipment and they’ll answer cable every time. Why is this? Wireless technology isn’t as reliable and has an effect on the quality of sound. This is true for both UHF and digital wireless technologies like Bluetooth or WiFi. UHF produces a wider frequency response but is susceptible to interference and requires some compression when transmitting. This leads to some frequency loss, particularly in the lower end of the frequency spectrum.
When it comes to digital wireless, the loss and compression are much greater and more noticeable. You can always tell a poor Bluetooth connection, the volume is reduced and the sound is not as full when compared to using an AUX cable.
Decent wireless sound only comes with expensive wireless sound systems which incorporate advanced 24bit wireless technology. This comes at a price, so unless you can afford hundreds or even thousands of dollars, stick to speaker cable.
Portable Wireless Speakers for TV
As mentioned, portable wireless speakers for TV are primarily used by the elderly or hearing impaired. These are usually ultra-compact, portable speakers with a base station at the TV or audio source and then the portable speaker itself.
These portable TV speakers are not excessively loud and are simply meant to bring the sound closer to someone’s ears so they don’t have to have the TV up full or strain to hear. Most portable TV speakers have a headphone output so the listener has the choice of using the speaker or listening on headphones.
Rather than Bluetooth or WiFi, the base station or transmitter and speaker will connect to your via a pre-programmed radio frequency. Usually in the UHF frequency range. Essentially, this is like picking up a radio station. The benefits of UHF, as opposed to Bluetooth, is a much better range (around 100ft) and better connectivity with less dropout.
1. Serene Innovations TV SoundBox
At a Glance
The TV SoundBox from Serene Innovations is one of the most popular portable wireless speakers on the market. The SoundBox was designed primarily for the elderly or hard of hearing to bring TV audio closer to the ears making it easier to hear. The portable speaker is ultra-compact and lightweight which even a toddler could easily carry without much effort. The small footprint of the speaker makes it easy to place on a side table or even the arm rest of a sofa.
The TV SoundBox comprises a base station and portable speaker. The base station requires a power source and is usually installed in a fixed position near the TV. You have the option of stereo RCA or ⅛ inch AUX as inputs on the base station. The signal from these inputs is then transmitted to the portable speaker via a pre-programmed radio/VHF frequency.
On the portable speaker, there is an additional ⅛ inch AUX input so you can plug in a mobile device or MP3 player as another source of audio. This is a great feature for the elderly or immobile as they don’t have to get up to change the audio source. There is also a ⅛ inch headphone output on the portable speaker.
A tone control on the portable speaker allows you to switch between high/med/lo. ‘High’ seems to work well with improving diction, so this would be good for TV shows, news broadcasts, etc. ‘Med’ is great for movies and music, offering a fuller sound. ‘Lo’ makes the TV SoundBox a little bass heavy and you lose some intelligibility so I’m not sure where this would come into use.
There is a simple analog on/off/volume control on the front of the speaker. The rotary knob is large and easy to control which even makes the TV SoundBox accessible for the visually impaired too.
Also on the portable speaker is an extra 9V DC power input. So you can purchase an additional power cable (if you don’t already own this type of cable) and plug the TV SoundBox into a power source near where you usually watch TV from. This means even if you run out of battery you can use the speaker. The built-in rechargeable battery on the TV SoundBox lasts around 8 hours of continuous use which is more than enough for most people. To charge, simply place the speaker on the base station.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Serene Innovations TV SoundBox:
- TV SoundBox base station
- TV SoundBox portable speaker
- Power adapter
- RCA audio cable
Serene Innovations TV SoundBox Conclusion
The TV SoundBox is a great portable speaker for the elderly and hard of hearing. With the additional input on the portable speaker, you can essentially use it anywhere, even out of range of the base station. The headphone output allows the person watching to watch in silence if they don’t want to disturb others or prefer listening on headphones. The range on the TV SoundBox is around 100ft which is convenient if, for example, you want to grab something from the kitchen without missing whatever is on TV.
Available at: Amazon
2. Pyle Wireless TV Speaker (PTVSP18BK)
At a Glance
The Pyle Wireless TV Speaker is ultra-compact and lightweight. The perfect size and weight for the elderly or frail looking for a portable speaker. The Pyle Wireless TV Speaker features a base station and portable speaker. The base station is placed at the TV or other audio source and is powered by a DC power adapter. Pyle supply you with two audio cables, RCA to ⅛ inch and ⅛ inch to ⅛ inch. The base station only takes a ⅛ inch input so either of these two cables should connect to most TVs.
The portable speaker also features a ⅛ inch AUX input so you can play audio off another device which is closest to you. The speaker can operate without being in range of the base station so, even out of range, you can plug a device into this additional input and the speaker will still work. The range on the speaker is around 100ft so you can easily move around a small apartment without losing signal. You can also pair up to 50 portable speakers (of the same make and model of Pyle Wireless TV Speaker) to a single base station. This is useful in a communal TV area in a home for the elderly, where each person can have their own speaker.
The speaker includes a ⅛ inch headphone output so you can listen on headphones in silence without disturbing others. There is a simple tone control on the speaker for “MUSIC” or “TV” settings. The music setting delivers a fuller sound, while TV allows for better diction and intelligibility. There is a large on/off/volume control on the side of the portable speaker making it easy to find and adjust. A DC power input on the portable speaker means you can plug the portable speaker directly to a socket and use it even if the battery is flat.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Pyle Wireless TV Speaker:
- Pyle Wireless TV Speaker
- Base station
- RCA to ⅛ inch
- ⅛ inch to ⅛ inch
- Power adapter
Pyle Wireless TV Speaker Conclusion
The Pyle Wireless TV Speaker is a simple, affordable portable wireless speaker. The setup is as easy as plug and play. There is only one input type (⅛ inch AUX), making the speaker simple to install. The two controls are basic, with only a volume control and tone setting control. The speaker is extremely lightweight with a large handle to carry and move around easily. The Pyle Wireless TV Speaker will easily fit on a bedside table or armrest without taking up any room. The ability to connect multiple speakers to a single base station means more than one person can listen at the same time without the need to gather around one speaker.
Available at: Amazon
3. Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker
At a Glance
The Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker is one of the few portable wireless TV speakers with a digital audio input. This obviously eliminates the need for a digital to analog converter. The Simolio takes both optical and ⅛ inch AUX at the base station. The optical cable is supplied with the wireless TV speaker so not to worry if you don’t have this cable. Also included is an RCA to a ⅛ inch, as well as a ⅛ inch to ⅛ inch cable – so you’re covered for all the audio cables you’ll need to connect the Simolio.
The portable speaker features an additional ⅛ inch AUX input for plugging in another audio device wherever you choose to take the speaker. A ⅛ inch headphone output means you can still watch TV or listen to audio without disturbing others. Simolio even provides you with a set of headphones. There are four foam earpiece sizes which fit inside the ear, so you’ll likely find a fit to suit your ear size. These retrofit foam earpiece replacements are available on Amazon too, so you can purchase additional earpieces or find a specific fit if needed.
There is a high/mid/low tone control on the rear of the portable speaker. High works well with dialogue-heavy audio content while the mid and low settings can be switched between for movies and music. A single large on/off/volume control makes it easy to switch the speaker on and off or adjust the volume.
Both the base station and portable speaker have AC power inputs. Simolio has been generous enough to supply you with two power adapters, one for each unit. Having a power adapter for the portable speaker means you don’t have to remember to place the speaker on the base station to recharge the battery. If you intend using the speaker in the same position near a power socket, this extra power for the speaker is a convenient extra.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker:
- Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker
- Base station
- 2 x AC power adapters
- Headphones with earpieces
- Optical cable
- RCA to ⅛ inch
- ⅛ inch to ⅛ inch
Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker Conclusion
The Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker is great value for money. The extras include two power adapters, headphones with earpieces, RCA to a ⅛ inch cable, a ⅛ inch to ⅛ inch cable and an optical cable. This is more than any of the other wireless TV speakers offers. Simolio is also one of the few portable wireless TV speakers which come with a digital optical input. This is a great value-add as it eliminates the need for purchasing an additional device to convert from digital to analog. Even though the Simolio has all these extras and features, the speaker operates exactly the same as other portable wireless speakers in that it is simple and easy to use.
Available at: Amazon
4. Grace Digital Voice Enhanced Wireless TV Speaker
At a Glance
The Grace Digital Voice Enhanced Wireless TV Speaker is a little more advanced when compared to the other portable wireless speakers we feature in this article. Rather than radio transmission, the Grace Digital TV Speaker uses Bluetooth to transmit audio from the base station. The advantage of this is a cleaner digital signal while the disadvantage is a significantly shorter range of only 30ft. This range won’t be an issue for most rooms in the house. It just means you can’t go into another room with the speaker.
The Grace Digital TV Speaker base station is a tiny device which sits at the TV or audio source. The transmitter can be powered using the power cable provided or via a USB output from your TV. This is convenient if you have limited power sockets available. The transmitter is small enough to store behind the TV, out of the way to reduce clutter on your TV stand. You could even use double sided tape and fix the transmitter to the rear of the TV.
There is a power input and audio input. The audio input can accept both the analog ⅛ inch AUX connector or the special supplied digital ⅛ inch cable.
The transmitter connects to the speaker via Bluetooth. To pair you simply press the pair button on each unit. A Bluetooth LED will flash on each one until they pair and the LED illuminates a solid blue to indicate a successful connection. Once connected you simply turn up the volume on your speaker.
There is a multifunction rotary knob on the front of the Grace Digital TV Speaker. This button allows you to adjust the volume by simply turning it up or down. A quick press of the same control will mute or unmute the speaker. Press and hold the button and you can switch between two EQ modes: “TV” – which is voice optimized, or “Music” – for a fuller sound.
The TV Speaker also comes with a remote control which you can adjust volume, switch between AUX or Bluetooth, EQ settings, bass/treble tone, mute/unmute or power on/off.
The Grace Digital TV Speaker, unfortunately, doesn’t come with a built-in battery. You can, however, purchase this as an extra item from the Grace Digital website. With the battery, you get 7 hours of continuous play time. The speaker comes with an AC power adapter so you can use the speaker without a battery too. There is also a ⅛ inch AUX input so you’re able to connect a device directly to your speaker. You can also pair other Bluetooth devices (mobile phone, tablet, PC) to the speaker and use it as a regular Bluetooth speaker.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Grace Digital Voice Enhanced Wireless TV Speaker:
- TV speaker
- Bluetooth transmitter/base station
- 2 x power supplies
- Optical to ⅛ inch cable
- ⅛ inch to ⅛ inch cable
- USB power cable for transmitter (optional power alternative)
- Remote control
Grace Digital Voice Enhanced Wireless TV Speaker Conclusion
The Grace Digital Voice Enhanced Wireless TV Speaker is a really versatile speaker, packed with an array of features not found on other portable wireless TV speakers. Although very simple to use, the Grace Digital has slightly more complex features which may overwhelm someone who might get confused by extra buttons and controls. The speaker produces about 16W of power which is around triple the output of the other portable TV speakers in this article. This added power delivers a higher volume and more intelligibility. Unfortunately, the Grace Digital doesn’t have a headphone output so you can only use it as a speaker.
Available at: Amazon
5. Albohes 9000 Wireless TV Speaker
At a Glance
At just under $50, the Albohes 9000 is our cheapest portable wireless TV speaker. This simple yet practical TV speaker offers a single ⅛ inch input at the transmitter. The transmitter is ultra-compact which means it can be placed at the TV or audio source without taking up too much space. The transmitter uses radio frequency to transmit to the speaker with a range of up to 100ft.
The speaker has a separate ⅛ inch AUX input so you plug in another device wherever you choose to place the speaker. There is also a ⅛ inch headphone output if you prefer to listen on headphones. A simple tone control allows you to switch between “MUSIC” for full range sound or “TV” for improved intelligibility. A large rotary knob for on/off/volume control is located on the front of the speaker.
At 1.3lbs the Albohes 9000 Wireless TV Speaker is the lightest portable speaker we feature in this article. The compact design means you can easily place this speaker on a bedside table or the armrest of a sofa. Using the ⅛ inch AUX on the speaker means you can operate the Albohes 9000 even without the transmitter. The 8-hour battery life gives you more than enough power to operate the speaker most of the day without charging. The Albohes 9000 comes with two USB power adapters, one for the transmitter and another for the speaker. Unfortunately, they only supply a single adapter for the wall socket. If you have a USB connection on your TV, you can use that to power the transmitter and the wall adapter for the speaker.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Albohes 9000 Wireless TV Speaker:
- Albohes 9000
- Transmitter
- USB to MicroUSB power cable (transmitter)
- USB to AC power cable (speaker)
- 1 AC wall adapter with USB A input
- RCA to ⅛ inch cable
- ⅛ inch to ⅛ inch cable
Albohes 9000 Wireless TV Speaker Conclusion
The Albohes 9000 Wireless TV Speaker offers all the features of the more expensive options at more than half the price. The portable TV speaker is extremely simple to install and operate. There are a couple big pluses with the Albohes 9000. One, you get two power cables which are both USB which means you can power off any adapter or even the TV. The second is the transmitter is ultra-compact so won’t take up any room. Although the Albohes 9000 is a cheap portable wireless TV speaker, it still adds a lot of value.
Available at: Amazon
Portable Wireless Speakers for TV Conclusion
Most of the portable wireless TV speakers in this article have identical features. They’re all pretty lightweight and compact, so your choice is essentially going to come down to price or popularity.
At under $50 the Albohes 9000 wireless TV speaker is the cheapest portable TV speaker on the market. While there are cheaper speakers available, these tend to be unreliable. The Serene Innovations TV SoundBox is the most popular portable wireless TV speaker on the market. The speaker does exactly what it says on the box and is still well priced at a little under $130. The Simolio Digital Wireless TV Speaker is almost identical to the TV SoundBox but includes more extras and will cost $20 less.
If you’re after something more modern and powerful, the Grace Digital Voice Enhanced Wireless TV Speaker is an excellent choice. At around $110, this TV speaker is very well priced and offers more features and better sound than the other portable TV speakers we reviewed. If the user doesn’t like devices with lots of buttons, then using this speaker is a little more complicated than the other options, however, it’s definitely something anyone can learn within a day or so.
Non-Portable Wireless Speakers for TV
Non-portable wireless TV speakers include soundbars and home theater systems which offer wireless input connectivity. In most cases, this is a Bluetooth or WiFi connection. For multiple speaker systems, the wireless connectivity extends to the speakers, meaning reduced or no speaker cables. The technology for speakers to be completely wireless is still fairly advanced so won’t find this kind of system for less than a few hundred dollars. In most of the cheaper systems, the rear surrounds will connect to a satellite decoder/receiver via speaker cable. Only the advanced high-end home theater systems will have independent wireless connectivity to each individual speaker.
As you can see from the above, wireless TV speakers could mean wireless on their the input or output end. Most speakers offer a wireless input but not many connect wirelessly to replace speaker cables and of course, you will still need a power cable. Therefore, no “wireless” speaker is ever completely wireless, as it needs to plug into a power source.
1. Sonos Playbar TV Soundbar
At a Glance
The Sonos Playbar is a premium soundbar with some exciting features and the ability to grow your system from a single speaker to full 5.1 surround sound. The Playbar is an unassuming, minimal design which will look good placed on a cabinet or mounted on the wall. The Playbar is an intelligent speaker, with the ability to tell whether it’s mounted or placed on a cabinet. Detecting either will automatically adjust internal processing to provide you with the best listening experience. The Playbar connects to your TV via an optical cable so you can enjoy all the benefits of digital audio and processing.
Another part of Sonos intelligence is the ability to automatically detect what you’re watching and adjust the speaker EQ for the best sound. If you’re watching a movie and feel you need better dialog, then you can hit the Speech Enhancement button on the app and the Playbar will boost certain frequencies to improve intelligibility. You can also set the Playbar to Night Sound. With this activated, the Playbar will dip any loud parts of the audio so you don’t make too much noise. For example, if you’re watching an action movie with loads of shouting and explosions, these are often much louder than the dialog parts. The Playbar will attenuate these loud parts so you don’t experience these peaks. If you have people sleeping in the next room, this will ensure you don’t disturb them.
The Sonos Playbar features a total of 9 independently driven speakers within the soundbar. This gives you a left/right/center speaker setup or what is referred to as virtual surround sound. The Playbar is available on its own, with a subwoofer or as a 5.1 surround sound system with two Play:1 satellite speakers. Additionally, you can purchase extra Play:1 or Play:3 satellite speakers to build a bigger surround sound system. All the speakers connect wirelessly using the Sonos app. Alternatively, each speaker has an in/out LAN port so you can network the speakers using a cable if you prefer, however, this isn’t necessary.
The Sonos app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Through the app, you can control various settings, pair with additional speakers as well as pair with your TV remote. Once paired with your TV remote, you can control the Playbar with the same remote control. If you hate having multiple remotes, this is a game changer.
On the side of the Playbar, you also have a few buttons including play/pause and volume up/down.
Within the Sonos app you can also add your favorite streaming apps, so you can play music, listen to the radio or podcasts, etc. Everything is done over WiFi, which is far more reliable than Bluetooth. The Sonos is also compatible with the Amazon Echo or Dot (sold separately), so you can use these devices with the Playbar. If you choose to purchase the complete Sonos surround sound system, the Play One speakers come with Alexa built in eliminating the need for the Echo or Dot.
Adding to your Sonos Surround Sound System
The best thing about deciding to purchase the Sonos system is the ability to add more speakers as you choose. Why stop at 5.1 when you can have a 7.1 surround sound system. Sonos are continually upgrading the software and firmware for this system so the future possibilities are endless. Additional speakers you can add to this system include the Sonos Play:1, Play:3 and Play:5. All of these satellite speakers are compatible with Alexa. If you choose to only purchase the Playbar, then the obvious next purchase is the Sonos Subwoofer which is available in black or white. From there you can add your surround speakers as needed.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Sonos Playbar TV Soundbar:
- Sonos Playbar TV Soundbar
- Optical cable
- Power cable
- Network cable
Sonos Playbar TV Soundbar Conclusion
The Sonos Playbar TV Soundbar is a lot of fun packed into a stylish speaker. The ability to add to the system means you build your system over time rather than having to purchase a big expensive surround sound system in one go. The additional speakers connect wirelessly, so there’s no need to run speaker cabling all over the living room. Each speaker will, however, need a power source. The Playbar is an incredible wireless TV speaker with some advanced features.
Available at: Amazon
2. TaoTronics Sound Bar
At a Glance
The TaoTronics Sound Bar is a lightweight wireless TV speaker. The 34-inch soundbar delivers a solid 40W of power output which is enough to fill small to medium-sized rooms. The TaoTronics Sound Bar features 4 internal speakers with two passive radiators for an improved bass response. While the TaoTronics Sound Bar is relatively loud, it does lack in the bottom-end which is to be expected from a soundbar. Unfortunately, TaoTronics don’t make a subwoofer.
One thing the TaoTronics has a lot of is inputs. Inputs include; RCA, optical, coaxial, ⅛ inch AUX and Bluetooth. To get the most out of this soundbar you’re going to want to go with an optical connection. Bluetooth is also great if you prefer a wireless connection. All the physical inputs are nicely recessed in the rear of the soundbar so you can easily mount the speaker without worrying about cables.
There are LED indicators on the front panel of the soundbar to indicate which input you are using. As each input has its own LED, you can easily see what you’re listening to. You can switch between inputs on the soundbar control panel. The buttons are minimal and touch sensitive so they’re relatively unseen. Also on the control is a power button and volume control.
TaoTonics provide you with a remote control so you can control all of the above features as well as mute/unmute and skip/search tracks on a paired Bluetooth device. Each input has a dedicated button on the remote, so switching is easy.
The TaoTronics 34-Inch Sound Bar can be placed on a TV cabinet or mounted on the wall. There is a built-in mounting bracket so it’s as easy as installing two screws into your wall and mounting the soundbar. Unfortunately, TaoTronics don’t supply a template, so you’ll need to use a tape measure and spirit level to get accurate hole placement.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the TaoTronics 34-Inch Sound Bar:
- TaoTronics 34-Inch Sound Bar (model number TT-SK15)
- Remote control
- Power cable
- RCA to RCA cable
TaoTronics Sound Bar Conclusion
At a little under $70, the TaoTronics 34-Inch Sound Bar is one of the most affordable 40W soundbars on the market. The soundbar will definitely be an improvement on most TV speakers, however, it does lack some bottom-end. If you’re just looking for a sound boost, then this is a great choice. If you want a wireless TV speaker with some bass, then you might be underwhelmed with the TaoTronics 34-Inch. You also don’t have the option of a subwoofer which means you can’t build on the system to improve the sound.
Available at: Amazon
3. Samsung 2.1 200 Watt Wireless Soundbar (HW-M360/ZA)
At a Glance
The Samsung 2.1 200 Watt Wireless Soundbar is an absolute powerhouse! Delivering a balanced sound across the entire frequency range, The 2.1 system includes a soundbar and subwoofer which connect wirelessly. No need for speaker cables!
If you want a complete 4.1 surround sound system, you can purchase the Samsung SWA-8500S for rear satellite speakers. The rear surrounds also connect wirelessly via a satellite decoder which can be placed at the back of your living area, under the bed or sofa. The actual speakers connect to the decoder via speaker cable so the complete 4.1 system is not 100% wireless, however, you do eliminate the necessity for cables from the front to the rear.
The 130W subwoofer compliments the 70W soundbar nicely with floor-shaking bass. The subwoofer can be placed upright or on its side, depending on where you place it. There is a bass port on the rear – so for best results, you want to position the subwoofer around 4 inches from a wall or hard surface. The stylish, low profile soundbar can be placed on a TV cabinet or mounted to the wall. Samsung provides you with a wall mount template so you can get the right position for the bracket. The bracket is provided, however, you will need to purchase the correct screws depending on your type of wall. Full instructions are provided in the user manual though.
The HW-M360 allows for optical and Bluetooth inputs only. If you want HDMI inputs, you’ll need to upgrade to the HW-M450 or HW-M550 models. Personally, I feel the audio quality you get from the optical is more than sufficient. You get all the benefits of the digital processing and features. All you audio inputs plug into your TV anyway, so multiple digital inputs are unnecessary. You can connect your Bluetooth device to stream music, podcasts, and other audio. If you own a SmartTV, you can stream these via the TV to play out of the sound system.
There is a Samsung Audio App which you can download to control certain features of your sound system. These include; power on/off, volume, audio inputs and media controls like sound presets and EQ. You can also control all of the same functions via the remote control which comes with the system.
On both the app and remote you can control the volume for the soundbar and subwoofer independently. You also have several pre-programmed EQ presets. You have a STANDARD, MOVIE, and MUSIC which are pretty self-explanatory. In addition, you have a CLEAR mode which enables sound preset for clear voice and diction. The SPORTS mode will deliver more clarity for effects to add to the excitement of watching sports. In addition, you have a 7 band EQ to fine tune or program your own EQ presets. Again, these presets and EQ settings can be done via the app or remote control. The Samsung 2.1 Wireless Soundbar is Dolby Digital and DTS compatible.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Samsung 2.1 200 Watt Wireless Soundbar:
- 70W soundbar
- 130W subwoofer
- Power cables for soundbar and subwoofer
- Optical cable
- Remote with 2 x AA batteries
- Wall mount template
- Wall mount brackets
Samsung 2.1 200 Watt Wireless Soundbar Conclusion
The Samsung 2.1 200 Watt Wireless Soundbar is an exceptional wireless TV speaker. For around $200 (often on special for under $200 on Amazon) there are very few wireless TV speakers that compete with this amazing sound system. The ability to add to your system with the SWA-8500S (only an extra $100) for rear satellite speakers, means you can have a complete surround sound experience. This system is an absolute must for small to medium sized living areas.
Available at: Amazon
4. Wohome S9920 Wireless TV Soundbar
At a Glance
The Wohome S9920 Soundbar is a popular wireless TV speaker. The soundbar houses a total of 6 speaker drivers, delivering a total of 80W. Wohome have rated the S9920 Soundbar as having a 40Hz to 20kHz frequency response however, it does seem to lack in those bass frequencies rolling off at around 200Hz. Other than that, the S9920 is pretty loud offering decent intelligibility and clarity.
You have the option of several inputs on the Wohome S9920. These include; RCA, optical, coaxial, USB, ⅛ inch AUX and Bluetooth. For best results, you want to go with either optical or Bluetooth. Optical is preferable so that you can use the Bluetooth for other devices. Wohome provides you with an optical cable and RCA to ⅛ inch cable.
There are two ways to control the Wohome S9920. There is a four-button control panel on the side of the soundbar. From here you can power the speaker on and off, switch between audio inputs and turn the volume up or down. You also have the ability to play/pause any Bluetooth-paired device. The same controls can be accessed on the supplied remote control. Each input has its own button, so switching between inputs is quick and easy. You can play/pause, skip and search any paired Bluetooth device and change between the three pre-programmed audio presets. You have a 3D mode for watching movies, music mode with a bass boost and news mode for better voice clarity.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Wohome S9920 Wireless TV Soundbar:
- Wohome S9920 Soundbar
- Remote control
- Optical cable
- Stereo RCA to ⅛ inch audio cable
- Power adapter
- Wall mount kit with template
Wohome S9920 Wireless TV Soundbar Conclusion
The Wohome S9920 Wireless TV Soundbar is a great affordable soundbar option. For a little over $100 on Amazon, you can get a decent 80W soundbar. The only downside with the Wohome is that you don’t have the option of adding a subwoofer. The speaker does lack slightly in the bottom-end, but having said that, the Wohome is loud and will certainly be an upgrade from any built-in TV speakers.
Available at: Amazon
5. Enclave Audio CineHome Wireless 5.1 Home Theater
At a Glance
The Enclave Audio CineHome Wireless 5.1 Home Theater is what’s considered to be a “true” wireless home theater system. This simply means each speaker connects wirelessly, no satellite decoders or receivers – only speakers. The Audio CineHome HD Smart Center speaker acts as the primary input device or receiver. All the other speakers link to the Smart Center to receive their audio signal.
Aside from the Smart Center, you have four additional speakers and a subwoofer to make up the complete CineHome Wireless 5.1 Home Theater System. The Smart Center sits below your TV and you have two options for installation. The Smart Center can either be your primary input with an HDMI out or through to your TV for the picture. Alternatively, you can use your TV for all the inputs and connect to the Smart Center via HDMI or optical. While you can use the other inputs, only a digital input will give you the full surround sound effect. Either method of installation will work equally well, it’s really up to you to decide which you prefer.
On either side of the Smart Center, you have the upright front left and right speakers. These can be placed either on a TV cabinet, stands or even floating shelves. If you don’t have speaker stands then the floating shelf will be the cheaper option. Also in front, you have a subwoofer. The subwoofer is fairly large and must be placed on the floor about 4 inches from the wall for best results. The surround or satellite speakers are wedge-shaped, offering wide dispersion to deliver a surround sound effect no matter where in the living area you sit. For best results, you want to get the left/right rear surrounds up at or just above head height. Again, a stand or floating shelf will work best.
The only cables you’ll need to connect the Enclave Audio CineHome is a power cable for each speaker. Of course, you’ll also need the inputs at the Smart Center speaker. Other than that, the system is completely wireless when it comes to signal distribution. Once turned on, pairing the speakers is automatic. It’s important to note that on your first boot up, pairing can take up to 30 seconds or so while the speakers all introduce each other and get acquainted. After that, it’s instantaneous every time you turn the system on.
The Enclave Audio CineHome uses WiSA Technology to connect and stream 24bit HD audio quality from the Smart Center to all the other speakers. WiSA is an advanced wireless audio processing technology found in high-end wireless audio products. The fact that you can get this type of technology in a home theater system which currently retails for under $1000 is worth the price tag alone.
The CineHome system comes with a remote control to access and adjust the advanced features. The menu appears on your TV screen and gives you the ability to change a range of audio settings including the usual input selection, volume control, audio presets etc. Additionally, you can also access settings and the balance between each of the speakers.
The CineHome Home Theater System supports many audio formats including Blu-Ray, DTS Digital Surround 5.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Pro Logic II. This means you can enjoy movies and TV at the highest quality available with the most effects and advanced audio processing. As if you’re watching in a movie theater.
What’s in the Box?
Included with the Enclave Audio CineHome Wireless 5.1 Home Theater System:
- Enclave Audio Smart Center Channel Speaker
- Right Front Channel Speaker
- Left Front Channel Speaker
- Right Rear Surround Speaker
- Left Rear Surround Speaker
- Enclave Audio Subwoofer
- HDMI cable
- Enclave Remote control (with battery)
- 6 x AC power supplies (for all system speakers)
Enclave Audio CineHome Wireless 5.1 Home Theater Conclusion
If you’re looking for an affordable, wireless home theater system then the Enclave Audio CineHome Wireless 5.1 Home Theater is the best on the market. The system is listed at almost $1200 but you can get it on Amazon for under $800 (as of September 2018).
As a true wireless surround sound system, the CineHome reduces the need for any speaker cables. Installation is very easy and even an inexperienced, non-technical person following the instructions step-by-step should have everything up and running within 30 mins. Tech savvy individuals wouldn’t take more than 10 – 15 minutes.
The CineHome is great for every application including movies, games, sports, and general TV. The advanced 24bit HD sound quality will make every viewing experience simply incredible. You can also use the CineHome system for playing music during parties. You can stream from your SmartTV, Bluetooth device or using the ⅛ inch AUX input. The Enclave CineHome is one of those speaker systems which will never disappoint, if you have $800 for a surround sound system, this will be money well spent.
Available at: Amazon
Non-Portable Wireless Speakers for TV Conclusion
If you’re just after a wireless TV speaker with Bluetooth input, then either the TaoTronics or Wohome will do the job just fine. Both are reasonably well priced, with the TaoTronics being the cheapest – at around $70. The Wohome goes for about $110. Just remember, neither of these soundbars has a compatible subwoofer so you can’t build on these systems.
If you want wireless connectivity on the speaker end, then there are three options we’d recommend. The Samsung 2.1 system is the cheapest and retails for around $200. This includes the soundbar and subwoofer. These two connect wirelessly so no need for speaker cables. For an extra $100 you can include the Samsung SWA-8500S rear satellite speakers. These come with a receiver which links to the soundbar and then distributes the signal to the satellite speakers via cable. So the full 4.1 surround sound system is not 100% wireless but will eliminate running any cable between the front and rear.
If you want a completely wireless home theater system there are two options we have available, eEach one is slightly different in setup but both come with incredible features and sound incredible. The cheaper option is the Enclave Audio CineHome Wireless 5.1 Home Theater System – this is a true wireless surround sound system with technology that was only previously available in systems worth thousands of dollars. The CineHome will only run you about $700 and this includes everything you’ll need to plug and play.
The second fully wireless speaker system is the Sonos Playbar TV Soundbar. The Playbar is more than just a speaker, it’s a stylish piece of decor. The sound from the Playbar on its own is incredible. The downside to the Sonos option is the Playbar on its own is almost $700. With the wall mount bracket, you’re looking at about $740. For the 3.1 system with the subwoofer, you’re looking at almost $1400. For the complete 5.1 surround sound system, you can expect to pay just shy of $1700. With that said though, with the Sonos system you can keep adding speakers to create a 7.1 (or whatever your audio heart desires) surround sound system. Obviously, the effectiveness of the system comes down to whether or not you are watching a source with multiple surround sound capabilities but essentially, the limits of this system are endless.
Now the Sonos Playbar is significantly more expensive, however, the sound quality and low profile design are exceptional. If you don’t like big speakers on all the walls around your TV, then the Sonos offers a clean layout with minimal speakers. The complete system includes the Sonos One satellite speakers with Amazon Alexa built in. The Sonos 5.1 Surround Set is one of the most advanced home theater systems on the market under $2000.
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